South Dakota permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 6 questions.
As a South Dakota Instruction Permit holder, which phone use is allowed while you drive on a public road?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
As a South Dakota Instruction Permit holder, which phone use is allowed while you drive on a public road?
- A Hands-free calls only
- B None; you may not use any type of wireless communication device
- C Calls to a parent or guardian only
- D Texting only while stopped at a red light
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B. None; you may not use any type of wireless communication device
Instruction Permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while driving on public roads. New drivers need all of their attention for the driving task, so even hands-free use is off-limits.
You have just upgraded to a Restricted Minor's Permit. What changes about using a cell phone while driving?
- A You may now make hands-free calls
- B You may use it once you are 16
- C Nothing; restricted permit holders also may not use any wireless device
- D You may now text at stop signs
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C. Nothing; restricted permit holders also may not use any wireless device
Both Instruction and Restricted Minor's Permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while operating a vehicle. The ban lasts until you hold an Operator's License.
Under South Dakota's permit rules, which of these counts as a wireless communication device?
- A A dashboard GPS that only shows maps
- B A car's built-in radio
- C A paper road map
- D A laptop computer
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D. A laptop computer
The manual defines a wireless communication device as any wireless electronic device that provides voice or data communication between two or more parties. That includes phones, texting devices, message-capable PDAs and audio-video players, and laptop computers.
For a fully licensed South Dakota driver, which activity does state law prohibit while driving?
- A Listening to the radio
- B Talking with a passenger in the front seat
- C Reading texts or social networking
- D Drinking water
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C. Reading texts or social networking
Texting, reading texts and social networking while driving are prohibited by South Dakota law for every driver. These tasks take your eyes, hands and mind off the road at the same time.